A just-under 8 mile hike from the Big Bear Discovery Center that really highlights everything you’ll want to experience on the north shore of Big Bear Lake — wide lake vistas, great cedars and pines, a meandering, rocky trail, and outstanding views from the top of Bertha Peak — even though it’s got some radio towers on the summit. Since this trail is mostly on the sunny southern slope of the mountain, it will be free of snow earlier in the season than other trails, and makes for a nice hike even when the south side of the lake still has skiing.
The Basics:
- Distance: 7.96 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1310 feet
- Time: About 4 hours, with breaks
- Trail Condition: Excellent. Well-maintained single track trail for the majority of the ascent (Cougar Crest Trail). This route then meets up with the Pacific Crest Trail and a fire road to the top of the peak, all of which are signed and easy to spot.
- How To get There: From the corner of Big Bear Lake Blvd. and Village Drive in Big Bear Lake — travel east on CA-18 (Big Bear Blvd.) for 2.9 miles, then turn left on the Stanfield Cutoff. There will be signs for the Discovery Center. Cross the causeway, and in 0.4 miles, turn left at CA-38 / North Shore Drive. Continue heading west for 1.2 miles. The Discovery Center will be on your right. I am not sure if you have to display an Adventure Pass if you park in the Discovery Center’s lot — but you probably should, just in case. You can also continue driving past the Discovery Center for another 1.2 miles, for the Cougar Crest Trailhead parking lot. If you park here, you will definitely need to display an Adventure Pass.
The Notables:
- Popular, but not crowded
- Gradual but steady ascent
- Great rocky trail
- Panoramic views of Big Bear Lake and the deserts of the Antelope Valley and Mojave
More Pictures:
- on Flickr
The Cougar Crest Trail doesn’t officially start in the Big Bear Discovery Center, it was my first time in the area and I wanted to check it out. So after I had my fill of the taxidermy animals and helpful volunteers, I set out on the half-mile paved bike path that leads from the Discovery Center parking lot to the actual trailhead.
This section of the trail was mostly level and pleasant as it made its way through the surrounding trees, but you probably won’t be taking much notice on your way to the actual trailhead.
The Cougar Crest Trail proper starts out as a wide dirt path near the trailhead, gently sloping through the woods for the first half mile or so.
At the one mile mark, the elevation gain begins. It’s not especially steep, but it is a steady gain as it continues winding its way along ridges and bumps, making its way north for the first three miles. You will get some great trees along the way, though, as well as sneak previews of the panoramic views you’ll get at the top of the mountain.
For about 0.3 miles, just before the 3 mile mark, the trail does drop to the north side of a low ridge. If there’s any snow or ice left over, it’s going to be in this stretch of trail — which is unfortunately also on one of the steepest slopes on the route. I didn’t use my snowshoes on this trip, but I did have to use trekking poles for balance.
At the 3 mile mark, the Cougar Crest Trail intersects with the Pacific Crest Trail. Turn right at the junction, heading east on the south slope of the ridge. At the 3.2 mile mark, the PCT intersects with a fire road heading up a nearby peak, which a helpful hiker has labeled as the Bertha Peak Road.
From here, follow the dirt road the remaining 0.8 miles, on what is by far the most dramatic incline on the entire hike. On the peak, you’ll be greeted by a few buzzing radio towers, and – more importantly – some incredible views of the surrounding landscape. Enjoy, and return back to the trailhead the way you came.
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